The Pierre

The Pierre (French for "stone") is a private residence nestled into the rocky hillside of the San Juan Islands in Washington state. Its placement on the site was inspired by "the owner's affection for a stone outcropping on her property and the views from its peak," according to Olson Kundig Architects, the firm responsible for the Pierre's design.

Depending on one's perspective, the house may appear to disappear entirely into the landscape, what with its green roof, surrounding plant life, and deep-set justification within the earthen cradle. The stone provides not only a great deal of privacy and a unique vantage point, it also comprises a great deal of the home's interior materials:

- Interior and exterior fireplace hearths are carved out of existing stone; leveled on top, they are otherwise left raw.- The master bathroom’s sink is composed of water cascading through three polished pools in the existing stone. - A powder room is fully carved out of the rock.- A skytube is through to the top of the rock and topped by glass. A mirror set within the tube serves as a focal point, reflecting natural light into the space and connecting to a forged bronze sink.

Also inside, works by notable artists Cameron Martin, Jesse Paul Miller, Andres Serrano, Franz West and Claude Zervas dot the walls. Olson Kundig's own interiors studio designed custom art objects as well, which complement the custom light fixtures by Irene McGowan and various pieces of antique furniture.

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